The Road to Vicksburg: The Battle of Champion Hill (1985) Board Game

The Battle of Champion Hill was a pivotal engagement during the American Civil War that took place on May 16,

It was fought between the Confederate forces under General Pemberton and the Union forces led by General Grant. The battle was a decisive victory for the Union, leading to the Siege of Vicksburg and ultimately the Union’s control of the Mississippi River.

Game Components of The Road to Vicksburg: The Battle of Champion Hill

Counters: 100 units representing Union and Confederate forces

Map: Hexagonal map depicting the Champion Hill area

Rules: Part of Strategy & Tactics magazine Issue #103

How To Setup The Road to Vicksburg: The Battle of Champion Hill

To set up the game, players need to place the counters on the hexagonal map according to the specified starting positions for the Union and Confederate armies. The setup Reflects the historical deployment of forces during the Battle of Champion Hill. Each side will have its unique set of units, including infantry, cavalry, and artillery, which must be placed accurately to mirror the initial dispositions of the battle.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Players aim to re-enact the Battle of Champion Hill, with the Union player trying to defeat the Confederate forces and vice versa.

Stacking: Up to 2 units may stack, and units in a stack must attack the same target.

Zone Of Combat (ZOC): ZOCs extend into adjacent hexes, except across rivers or creeks unless at a ford or bridge.

Combat Restrictions: Units may only attack or be attacked once per phase; units cannot divide their strength.

Attacker Effectiveness: Attackers forced to retreat are flipped to their ineffective side until a night turn.

Retreats/Advances: Units may not retreat off the map or through enemy ZOCs; one unit can retreat to make room for another.

Artillery Range Fire: Artillery can attack units within 3 hexes if no adjacent enemy target exists.

Night Phase: No combat phase; units adjacent to enemies cannot move.

Player Experience

This game offers a detailed and realistic simulation of the Battle of Champion Hill, allowing players to experience the strategic and tactical challenges faced by Major General Ulysses S. Grant and Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton. The game is designed to be accessible, with easy-to-learn rules, making it suitable for both new and experienced wargamers. The gameplay involves strategic unit placement, careful management of units in combat, and leveraging the unique capabilities of different unit types.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: Faithfully recreates the Battle of Champion Hill.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Strategic Depth: Allows for complex strategic decision-making.

Realistic Simulation: Reflects the challenges of 19th-century battlefield tactics.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for only two players.

Component Count: Relatively low number of counters compared to other wargames.

Playtime: Can be lengthy, requiring over two hours to complete.

Personal Thoughts on The Road to Vicksburg: The Battle of Champion Hill

This game is ideal for enthusiasts of the American Civil War and those interested in historical wargaming. It offers a balanced blend of simplicity and strategic depth, making it a great introduction to wargaming for new players while still providing enough complexity for veterans. The game’s focus on a specific historical battle adds a layer of educational value, making it a worthwhile addition to any wargamer’s collection.

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